Bail, not jail

The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia — almost 18 months after he was arrested in connection with the liquor policy case — is laudable. Unfortunately, he had to spend over a year and a half behind bars. It is common knowledge that Indian jails are overcrowded. The apex court has reiterated several times that bail should be the rule and jail an exception. Ideally, there should be no delay in granting relief to an accused. Lower courts must heed the SC’s words.

Ajay Bagga, Hoshiarpur

Ensure safety of Indians in Bangladesh

With reference to the editorial ‘Yunus steps in’; the recent attacks on Indians, Hindus and members of other minority groups in Bangladesh are a matter of grave concern. PM Narendra Modi has done well to call for the protection of those being targeted by mobs in the neighbouring country. Muhammad Yunus, who has taken over the reins of the newly formed interim government in Bangladesh, must make sure that every Indian national on Bangladeshi soil feels safe. The onus is on Yunus to placate the agitators and set things in order as soon as possible.

Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai

Nation has lost an upright leader

Refer to the editorial ‘Tenacious leader’; with the death of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee — the last Marxist CM of West Bengal — the nation has lost an upright leader who had a pragmatic outlook. His demise marks the end of an era in the political and cultural landscape of West Bengal. He had hoped to attract industrial investment in the predominantly agrarian state to ameliorate the plight of the destitute. Though his liberal views did not jell with the rigid ideology of his party, his vision for a more prosperous West Bengal was well known.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

India’s lacklustre show

It is commendable that our players have earned India a silver medal and four bronze. However, it is not an impressive showing for such a big and highly populated country. Team India is lagging behind. This should prompt the Union and state sports ministries to reflect on the reasons behind India’s lacklustre performance in the Games. Why have the enormous allocations in budgets to the sporting sector failed to yield the desired results? The need of the hour is to set up a panel led by eminent sportspersons to explore comprehensive strategies and set up mechanisms to scout for promising sportspersons and groom them.

Ravi Bhushan, Kurukshetra

Phogat proved her mettle

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was sadly disqualified from the 50-kg category ahead of the final for being overweight by a hundred grams. The euphoria in India over the Haryana girl’s victory over Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman in the semifinals to breeze into the gold bout died down fast. The news of her disqualification broke a billion hearts. The International Olympic Committee must consider awarding the silver medal to Vinesh. But whether or not that happens, one thing is clear: Vinesh does not need a medal. She has already proved her mettle. She is a role model for millions of budding sportspersons.

SK Dadhwal, Kangra

Don’t let men into women’s sports

The recent bout between Italian boxer Angela Carini and Algerian pugilist Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics has sparked a massive controversy. It is telling that Carini chose to leave the ring merely 46 seconds into the match and broke down in tears after taking two blows from the Algerian. Notably, Khelif is one of the two boxers who have been allowed to participate in the Games despite being disqualified from the women’s world championships last year for failing the gender eligibility tests. The International Boxing Association has clearly stated that Khelif is a biological male. Factors like sex and weight are taken into consideration while organising sporting events to ensure fairness in the competition. Khelif clearly had an unfair advantage over Carini. It is imperative to ensure sex-based segregation in sports to provide athletes with a level playing field.

Amisha, Jalandhar

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